2026 California General
- The last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2026, General Election is October 19, 2026.
- All California active registered voters will receive a ballot for the November 3, 2026, General Election.
- County elections officials will begin mailing ballots by October 5, 2026.
- Secure ballot drop-off locations open on October 6, 2026.
- Ballots can be dropped off at a drop-off location, county elections office, or returned by mail.
- The first vote centers open for early in-person voting in all Voter’s Choice Act counties on October 24, 2026.
- In person early voting locations throughout California will be open on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- November 3 is the last day to vote in-person or return a ballot by 8:00 p.m. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3. If mailing on Elections Day, get a hand-stamped postmark from a postal employee inside a United States Post Office.
Election Information
- Governor's Proclamation (PDF)
- Key Dates and Deadlines
- Official Voter Information Guide
- Complete General Election Calendar (PDF)
- 2026 California Election Guide
Candidate Information
- Qualifications for Running for Office in 2026
- Offices and Political Subdivisions (PDF)
- Candidate Statements
- Ballot Designation Worksheet (PDF)
Other Information
Voter Information Fact Sheets
- Quick Facts for the November 3, 2026, General Election (PDF)
- Combined Signature Verification and Unsigned Identification Envelope Statement & Instructions (PDF)
- Displaced Voters Fact Sheet (PDF)
- How to Fix a Missing or Noncomparable Signature on Your Vote-by-Mail Return Envelope (PDF)
- Poll Workers: Democracy Needs You! (PDF)
- Remote Accessible Vote-by-Mail Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
- Tips for California's Military and Overseas Voters (PDF)
- Vote-by-Mail Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF)
- Voters Experiencing Homelessness Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Voters with Medical Emergencies Fact Sheet (PDF)
- California Voter ID & Registration Requirements (PDF)
